July 22, 2024
We’re all for loving the skin you’re in. But you can show your skin some extra love by giving it what it needs all year round.
“If you live in a climate that changes with the seasons, those changes can absolutely affect your skin,” says MU Health Care dermatologist Dr. Kari Martin. “Switching your moisturizer and tweaking other parts of your skin care routine can help keep your skin as healthy as possible.”
Dr. Martin shares some seasonal tips to increase your skin care savvy:
Spring Skin Care
Spring is a time to lighten up. Those first rays of warm sunshine that tempt you to shed your winter coat should also signal a transition away from heavy skin care products.
Moisturizers include varying ratios of water or alcohol to oil (fat):
- Gels are the least hydrating and are made almost entirely of water and alcohol, so they typically liquify when they touch your skin.
- Lotion is mostly water and alcohol but does contain some oil.
- Cream is thicker than lotion and contains an approximate 50/50 water and oil ratio.
- Ointment is greasier than other moisturizers and is nearly water-free, containing 80% oil.
“When you turn off the heat and switch on the air conditioning, it’s a good indicator that it’s time for a lighter moisturizer,” Dr. Martin says. “Using a heavier cream or ointment — like what you might use in winter — can trap the sweat glands and not feel very good on your skin.” You may also want to consider switching to a more lightweight foundation.
Spring is also a time when pollen counts rise and seasonal allergies surface. If your allergies affect your skin, Dr. Martin recommends using a gentle cleanser and seeing your doctor if you break out with hives or eczema.
“Pay special attention to your eyelid skin,” Dr. Martin says. “It’s some of the thinnest skin on your body, so can be affected by allergens and irritants more easily than other areas of skin.”
Skin Care for the Summer Season
Summer often brings higher humidity that leaves your skin feeling plump — even without moisturizer.
“Some people need to use moisturizer all year, but not everyone needs it in the summer,” Dr. Martin says. “Go without moisturizer one morning and see if your skin feels tight and dry. If not, the humidity may be enough.”
Whether you use a moisturizer or not, apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF to all of your sun-exposed skin — it helps prevent skin cancer and premature aging. You should use sunscreen all year, but during the summer, you likely expose more skin and spend more time outdoors. Don’t forget about your scalp, ears and lips.
“Our eyes tend to be more protected from the sun because most people wear hats or sunglasses during bright days,” Dr. Martin says. “But the scalp, ears and lips get forgotten. Use an SPF lip balm on your lips and wear a broad-brimmed hat. If you’re wearing a baseball cap, remember to rub sunblock on your ears.”
When you’re applying sunscreen to your entire body, keep an eye out for common summer rashes, which include:
- Tinea versicolor is a yeast infection that causes small, discolored patches, typically on the shoulders, back and chest. This imbalance of yeast can happen when your skin is oily or sweaty.
- Intertrigo is an inflammatory condition that develops in skin folds — such as under the breasts or in abdomen or thigh creases. Warm temperatures, moisture and friction can cause it.
“If you see signs of a summer rash, see your doctor,” Dr. Martin says. “They can usually diagnose it by a physical examination and can often recommend over-the-counter treatment.”
Fall Skin Care
Autumn is a time of recovery for your skin. If the sun took a toll, you may notice signs of a pigment disorder, such as:
- Melasma, also known as pregnancy mask, often shows up as light or dark brown spots on the face, chest and forearms. It’s triggered by the sun and estrogen, so women are more likely to develop it. Melasma isn’t typically treated as sun damage, and a dermatologist can recommend ways to treat it.
- Increased freckles and sunspots indicate your skin is overexposed to the sun. Monitor these small brown spots and report any changes to your doctor.
Switch to a sensitive skin cleanser and thicker moisturizer to help your skin recover and prepare for winter. Just as you changed your skin care and makeup when you turned off the heat, turning the heat on again should remind you to switch back. Consider using a heavier moisturizer for your body and lips, too.
“By the end of fall, you may start to get some dryness or cracking in your hands, feet and lips.” Dr. Martin says. “Slather on an ointment at night for extra moisture and protection.”
Skin Care for Winter
It’s not news that winter’s cold temperatures, brisk wind and dry indoor heat lead to dry skin. Moisturizing with a thick and creamy product can help. But so can changes to your shower routine.
“In other seasons, when gardening, working on a farm, or exercising outdoors, you might need to shower daily. And with high humidity, your skin can handle it,” Dr. Martin says. “But as you move into winter, limit your showers and where you use soap — stick to your genitals, armpits, face and trunk. Lathering every square inch of your skin every time you shower just strips the skin’s oil and creates dryness and irritation.”
Dr. Martin also recommends skipping your morning face wash if your skin isn’t oily. If you washed your face the night before, there’s no need to strip your skin in the morning.
If you develop eczema only in the winter — particularly around the holidays or other cyclic triggers — consider seeing a dermatologist. Some rare food allergies coordinate with seasonal foods and can cause a skin reaction. For example, a chemical found in cinnamon, clove and vanilla can cause a reaction in some people. Those kinds of allergies are rarer than peanut or fish allergies, but they exist.
“Whenever you notice a change to your skin that is bothersome and persistent, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor,” Dr. Martin says. “Part of loving the skin you’re in is getting it the treatment it needs.”
Next Steps and Useful Resources
- Need to revamp your skin care routine but not sure how? Speak with a dermatologist
